Fall Daily: Pumpkin Spice Your Fall Style!

Pretty much everything in the U.S is pumpkin spiced right now. You can find it in coffee, toothpaste, cookies, pies, cereal, and chips? Yes, even chips. 

With such a love for this seasonal flavor, I am feeling inspired to infuse this delicious flavor into my Fall style. How do I do it?

If you want to dress like pumpkin spice, you have to think like pumpkin spice. First of all, what is it?

Pumpkin spice is a beautiful blend of cloves, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and of course, PUMPKIN. This is the magic combination that fills delightful Fall desserts such as pumpkin pies,and pumpkin spiced lattes. The character notes of these spices are warm, sharp, and spicy. 

The "pumpkin" itself is a "whimsical" character, I mean, it did transform into a magical carriage for Cinderella. Therefore, if pumpkin spice were an outfit, it would be, warm, spicy, playful, and sweet.

Give it a try!

Join me tomorrow for more daily Fall Style! (Posting everyday: October and November)

xo,

Maya 

The Puzzling Game of Style

How is it possible to have so many clothes and nothing to wear?

I have asked myself this question countless times, and with much thought I have found my answer.

The problem is not with the clothes "individually", but in their abilities to match with other pieces in my wardrobe. I would simply buy a beautiful blouse one day, and then a skirt another, and neither match each other,  nor anything else in my closet. It was as if I was collecting a wardrobe full of left shoes. Individually gorgeous but quite useless in combining a complete look.

This made me realize, my shopping approach had been totally wrong. 

A wardrobe is actually like a puzzle, and therefore, blindly buying whatever you like will never boost your closet style. 

Style is all about finding the missing pieces and linking them together. A wardrobe like a puzzle, should be strategic. 

For example, take a Fashion Week runway show. Back stage, the clothes are carefully organized on racks, with the entire individual outfit, completely pre-styled. From outfit, shoe, bag, accessories, and even make up.  High style is a "complete" outfit. If you look at the entire collection you will notice almost all the pieces are interchangeable. One jacket matches nearly all the pieces of the collection and a certain shoe is versatility matched  to every look as well. More matches, means more possibilities to be worn. 

This does not mean in anyway, that you should go buy a head to toe look each time you shop. However, it does mean to always keep in mind what you already own and what items will help "complete" a look. 

xo,

Maya

What's Closet Popularity?

Everyday we linger in front of our closet, and are faced with the same question, "What will you wear today?"

Whether it takes you 2 seconds or 2 hours, you scan over your collection of clothing and "usually"  there is a small collection  of clothing that become the most worn, "Popular Ones". 

Would you say these pieces are the best, or the most innovative in  your collection? No. Quite contrary, they are usually the lazy pieces that some how look good while letting you think as little as possible. 

My "Popular Style"

My most worn pieces or "Popular Style", consists of my favorite James Perse Tee, stretchy black 7 Jeans, Boyfriend Jean, beige sweater top, and my black James Perse Jersey Dress. 

Why are they the "chosen" ones? To be honest, they are simply the most comfortable, while still looking stylish. Little effort is needed to look rather acceptable, and surprisingly, I receive more compliments in my "I'm not trying attire". 

Early morning bed hair? Check. Minimal make-up with a splash of color on the lips? Check. 

Is this fashion at my best? Not really, I'm just being lazy. 

In many ways, popular is success at impressing without intimidating. It is a celebration of medicrity and doing what is relateable. Nothing too bold, too eccentric, or ever thinking too hard. 

The "Special Ones"

In society the "Special Ones", have adopted quite a negative impression as "oddballs, misfits, or losers." They are the people, who just don't fit in and very few can relate to. They are the artists. 

To be "special " in fashion is rather the same concept. You can easily be fashionable by falling trends but it is only in the risks of uniqueness, that one can become an artist of style. 

Now lets take those crazy purchases that leave us shaking our heads and wondering, "What was I thinking?", or those dusty pieces in our closet, with their price tags still dangling lonely in the back of our closet, and challenge ourself!

Sometimes a garment of clothing seems off not because it is a mistake, but because it is not styled correctly. I cannot tell you how many times I have had a piece of clothing that I never wore, not because I didn't like it, but because it felt incomplete or off. 

Then by a freak chance of innovation, I challenged myself to match my "odd ball" piece with a rather unexpected choice in my current wardrobe. The match was the perfect compliment and the entire look now made sense.

The key is to constantly challenge your sense of style, and take risks. Step outside the box of comfort and problem solve.  What may not work now, maybe the missing piece to another outfit. 

If you always wear what is easy, and follow the trends, there is no level of "challenge".

Dare to think. 

xo,

Maya

Are You Shopping Smart? : 5 Tips on Knowing The Value of What You Buy

1. 

   
   

   
   

   Just as living in a city requires you to become street smart, fashion requires you to become shopping smart. 

   I decided to write this article today, because I realized the way I shop is significantly different to the way I use to shop. When I was younger, I can remember being seduced by beautiful window displays, and entering a shop scouring for an 'unknown' item that would some how 'change my life'.

   Fashion is ambiguously hypnotic like that. It is easy to lose one's "street savvy"  ways, and get lost in this rather seductive scent.  Buying without thinking, results in purchases you do not need and a lot of wasted money. 

   Not to lose hope guys, my 5 Basic Tips will have you beating the hypnosis of fluorescent lights and get you thinking Shopping Smart.

   
   

   1.) Price is Just a Number

   
   

   

   
   

   The first misconception  that needs to be broken is, price is NOT the indicator of value. Do not trust that the higher the price, the better the quality. As you can see above, a $288 garment is sold for $8.99 at Goodwill. Price is determined by the seller, and situation of their purchase. One should always keep an open mind, and price value on other factors besides what the number is marked as.

   I cannot tell you how many times I have been in an ultra chic boutique that looked absolutely adorable, but with low quality garments priced at luxury prices. 

    How did I know that? Keep on reading. 

   
   
   
   
   2.) Stitch Work
   
   
   

   
   

   The main reason my shopping skills have changed, is due to the fact that I now design clothes and make them myself. 

   The very first thing I do when I find a garment I like, is to check the inner bones of the piece. 

   The "inner bones" are the way the garment is stitched together, and a good sign of the quality can easily be detected. 

   Cheaper quality pieces, can easily be spotted in places that cannot be seen. Craftsmanship and fabric are the two main places to cut corners and level of craftsmanship is revealed inside more than out.For example, single stitched, crooked lines are quick to rip, cause holes and unflattering on the body. Other signs are frayed edges, and sloppy stitch work. Garments made this way do not last and not worth a higher price tag.
   
   
   
   
   3.) Understanding Fabric Value
   
   
   

   
   

   Fabrics Types: Synthetic and Natural

   
   

   Synthetic fabrics: 

   polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate, etc. are man made and produced  entirely from chemicals.

   Synthetic fabrics are commonly used because it is durable, man made, easier to obtain and cheaper in cost.

   
   

   Natural fabrics: 

   cotton, silk, wool, cashmere, etc. are made from plants and animals. 

   Natural fabrics are more expensive, and harder to get your hands on.

   
   

   Personally, my preference is always natural fabrics. If a garment contains cashmere, silk, wool, or cotton, chances are you have your hands on a luxury piece and worth the higher price.

   Natural fabrics are generally more fragile, and harder to care for, but they are worth every penny.  

   The beauty is unsurpassed, and the breathability of the fabric is undeniable. 
   
   
   4.) Embroidery or Beading

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

   Embroidery and Beadwork is a good sign that the garment was hand crafted, especially if it is vintage. Hand made, always calls for a higher price due to its labor. If you can get such a piece on sale or ridiculously discounted you have an amazing deal. Even just purchasing the beads itself, cost a pretty penny these days.

   
   

   *Caution* Beware of worthless beaded garments. The easiest way to detect an unworthy beaded garment is if the retail value of a piece is extremely low. 

   
   

   I once bought a fancy, pale pink top at H&M for 39 euros and was impressed by the cheap price. However, within a couple of washes, the beads washed out all their silver elements and instead of quality glass beads I realized they were plastic.

   
   

   
   

   5.)Designer labels and Brands

   
   

   

   
   

   The greatest thing about designer labels and brands is they "usually" guarantee the highest level of craftsmanship. If you look inside a Chanel piece, you are guaranteed an impeccable work of art, made to last forever.

   However, with that (unfortunately), comes the ridiculous price! Yes, I understand a designer price tag includes extra costs of runway, advertisements, media, campaign, models, etc. but who can really afford $10,000 for a dress? 

   The best alternative is finding these brands at thrift stores, vintage stores, or online. Don't give up guys, where there is a will there is a way!

   
   

   Other brands such as Zara, Mango, or Massimo Dutti provide good quality at reasonable prices. 

   
   

   
   

   6.) Artistic Design

   
   

   

   
   

   Do you love it?

   
   

   Often the value of a garment is not found in your wallet but your heart. How much does the garment speak to you? For me, when I find a garment I love there is no doubt. All factors go out the window and all I see is me, the garment and our future.

    Often the moment is phrased as, "If I were a _____ I would look like this." 

   Just be careful the price is rather lower, than higher. For example, I once bought a gorgeous top for $5 and fixed the bad stitch work, and rearranged some mistakes. 

   Cheap fabrics or bad craftsmanship is forgivable if the price is low but cringe worthy if you pay a high price. 

   
   

   Happy Smart Shopping!

   
   

   xo,

   Maya

How to Organize Your Accessories!

Organizing your Accessories is often times the one place we all fall short. Usually they end up in a box, or a drawer, but completely unorganized and usually left unused. Organizing these fashion accessories will be the difference between a complete look or one that always seems it could be a little bit better.

Children's Drawing Easel

You can find them at Garage sales, thrift stores, for very cheap. Simply spray paint them to match your room, and glue on a old picture frame to the board. From there simply add knobs and you are ready to hang your necklaces. Finish off by finding cute shaped boxes and you have the most adorable accessory station.

Vintage Tea cups and Bowls

Collect adorable little cups and bowls and store in drawers, making a very cute and easy way to keep your precious earrings or rings form getting lost.

Frame it!

Find interesting frames in various vintage/ thrift shops, and string lace ribbon to display your fabulous earrings as a piece of art.

Cake it!

Often times you can find adorable items in the baking department. Normally used to display baked goods, they are also adorable ways to show case your jewels. 

How do I Tie My Scarf?

Scarf Season has arrived! Here are 12 interesting ways to style your scarf this Fall! Enjoy. :) xx -M 1.) Wrap and Tuck. This Scarf style has the same effect as a man's necktie. It is a perfect style to use when sporting jeans, and sweater. 2.)Butterfly. This elegant look is perfect for those scarfs with a different color from front to back. Would look amazing with a tight black turtle neck and black pencil skirt. 3.) Wrap around. A loose, relaxed way to wear your scarf. Perfectly with flowy outfits. 4.) Necklace Scarf. The easiest way to add style and glamour to a scarf is looping it into a necklace. Try this look on your evenings out. 5.)Standard. This unstyled way is perfect for those outfits that dont want to be fussy but just need a punch of color or textures. 6.)Bow it. A super quirky cute way to add charm to your look. It is especially adorable, with pleated short skirts, peplum tops. 7.) Vest like. Simply drape your heavier scarfs around your neck, and belt your waste and voila, you get the effect of a sweater vest. 8.)Sexy top. This will need a bigger scarf shaped as a Square. Tie behind your neck, and wrap around your waste. 9.)Knot. Simply knotting the end is cute and practical. It prevents your scarf from flying away and still adds a nice texture to your look. 10.)Braided. This scarf style is like an inverted braid. Wrap around your neck, take the two sides and tuck one over the other through the loop. 11.) Belt. Why limit belts as the only way to show off your waste? 12.) Loop and pull. This is perhaps the most popular way to wear scarve. simply take the side with loop and tuck in the ends.

Rockin' and Roses!

If you love roses as much as I do, you are in luck this season. Designers from Valentino, YSL, to Lanvin, have created a spring trend for Fall. Never have roses looked warmer and more seductive. Violets, roses or peonies, don't be afraid to rock them out with some black tights, boots, and dark crimson lips. Just keep in mind the Autumn color palette, and prevent the pastel freshness of Spring. Take care and stay warm! xx -M

Fall Color Palette

Have you ever thought about the colors you wear for each season? If you are like me, and grew up in a place without seasons and constant sun, it may be hard to understand how fashion must change as the seasons do. It was only when I moved to New York and then Europe, where I understood the beauty of how mother earth changes the temperature which change the colors of our planet. During the Fall, the trees change colors, to the most beautiful hues of crimson yellow, burgundy red, meadow green, pumpkin orange, etc.,this is what makes Fall so special. Beauty in Nature is reflected in fashion. Put away your pastels, till spring, and rock the amazing Autumn colors.

Travel Style!

Hi dolls! When we travel, most of us think, long hours, stuffy cramped chairs, and uncomfortable airports. of course this means, fashion flies out the door, and slumpy hot mess here we come. I'm here to say, "No!" You can look amazing and still be comfortable. Proudly sport a face with no make up, but still look great! My recommendations are leggings, and a cool loose oversized funky tee. I prefer 100% cotton made of jersey, it is the best and most comfortable. On top of that a nice fitted blazer of choice. You will also need a scarf to protect you from getting a chill, sometimes the airconditions are crazy in the aircraft. If you have contacts, dont wear them, they will just burn out your eyeballs. This is the time to pull out those funky eyeglasses, and put your hair up in a crazy bun. have a nice sized messenger bag, and slap on some lip balm and moisturizer! You are now a jet setting fashionista. As far as shoes, if you are brave, and can handle a high heel, opt for a flat platform, but as for me, I jut wear some cute ballet flats . xo and happy traveling! - Maya